The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has conducted a series of raids in Semarang, Central Java, as part of an ongoing investigation into import corruption within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance. A primary target of these operations was the residence of Heri Sutiyono, a businessman known as Heri ‘Black,’ whose business activities involve managing the importation of goods.
During the search of Heri ‘Black’s’ home on Monday, May 11, investigators seized various documents and electronic evidence. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the electronic data suggests there have been attempts to “condition” the ongoing case, which the commission views as an effort by external parties to obstruct the investigation.
Budi Prasetyo noted that the specific details of how these external parties attempted to influence the case remain part of the active investigation. The KPK plans to re-summon Heri ‘Black,’ who previously failed to attend a summons, to confirm the findings from the raids and clarify the status of the seized evidence.
Seizure of Restricted Goods at Tanjung Mas Port
Following the residential search, investigators expanded their operation on Tuesday to the Tanjung Mas Port in Semarang. There, they seized a container affiliated with PT Blueray Cargo that had remained at the port for over 30 days without the owner filing an Import Declaration (PIB).
Upon inspection, the container was found to hold vehicle spare parts. According to Budi Prasetyo, these items fall under the category of imports that are either prohibited or restricted.
Broader Context of the Customs Bribery Case
The investigation began with a sting operation at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, resulting in the naming of six suspects. In addition to the cash and gold, the KPK seized a luxury watch valued at Rp 138 million.
Three private sector individuals—John Field, the leader of Blueray Cargo; Deddy Kurniawan Sukolo, the Operational Manager; and Andri, the document team leader—have already faced trial. They are accused of providing Rp 61.3 billion in Singapore Dollars, along with luxury goods and facilities worth Rp 1.8 billion.
Prosecutors have charged the defendants under Article 605 paragraph 1 letter a and Article 606 paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 of 2023 (KUHP).
Potential Next Steps
The KPK is expected to perform a full extraction and analysis of the notes and electronic data recovered from the Semarang raids. This process may lead to the identification of the external parties involved in the alleged obstruction of justice.
The upcoming interrogation of Heri ‘Black’ could provide critical links between the restricted goods found at the port and the financial movements associated with the Blueray Cargo suspects currently on trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Heri ‘Black’ and what is his connection to the case?
Heri ‘Black’ is an alias for Heri Sutiyono, a businessman in Semarang whose company specializes in the management of importations. His home was raided by the KPK as part of the investigation into corruption at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
What was found in the container at Tanjung Mas Port?
Investigators found vehicle spare parts in a container affiliated with PT Blueray Cargo. These goods were identified as prohibited or restricted imports and had been left at the port for more than 30 days without a proper import declaration.
What are the specific charges against the Blueray Cargo executives?
John Field, Deddy Kurniawan Sukolo, and Andri are accused of providing Rp 61.3 billion in Singapore Dollars and Rp 1.8 billion in luxury facilities. They are charged under Articles 605 and 606 of Law Number 1 of 2023 (KUHP).
Do you believe that seizing electronic evidence is the most effective way to uncover attempts to obstruct high-level corruption probes?
